(StatePoint)

In the midst of an obesity epidemic, it’s easy to ignore that little bit of extra weight you may be carrying around. But experts warn that any amount of excess fat tissue around the middle can boost your risk for serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes and more. And unfortunately, there are no really easy solutions when it comes to sustained weight loss. “Fad diets promising a quick fix may help you drop weight quickly, but these programs can do more harm than good,” says Dr. Jen Sacheck, Associate Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University and co-author of the new book, “Thinner this Year: A Diet and Exercise Program for Living Strong, Fit, and Sexy.” Sacheck, along with motivational speaker and co-author Chris Crowley, explain in plain English the science of what goes on inside your body -- both when you’re taking care of yourself and when you’re not. They’re urging those two-thirds of Americans that are overweight or obese to stop searching for magic weight loss solutions. “Preaching a commitment to proper nutrition and regular exercise may not win us any popularity contests,” quips Crowley, “but at the end of the day, hard work is the only healthful way to lose weight and keep it off for good.” Not only that, eating right and getting exercise can boost your mood, make you feel younger, and give you an overall better outlook on life.

Whether you’re looking to drop those extra pounds, or maintain a healthy weight as you age, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Avoidance of entire food groups or excessive consumption of others isn’t healthy, realistic or sustainable. Why? Carbohydrates, fats and proteins play necessary and unique functions within our bodies and supply different nutrients crucial for health.

• Ditch wasteful calories that come from foods that are nutritionally void -- think processed and overly packaged foods, refined, flour products, all things fried or covered in creamy goop, sports drinks and other beverages with added sugar. Bottom line: eat real food. 

• About half of your diet should be fruits and vegetables. Enjoy healthy fats in moderation and avoid saturated and trans fat. When eating meat, make it lean.

• Don’t starve! You need energy to go about your day, especially if you’re physically active. Skipping meals can actually lower your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories and lose weight.

• Be prepared to commit to regular aerobic exercise and resistance training. There are no shortcuts. Exercise for forty-five to sixty minutes a day, six days a week, for the rest of your life.

• Stay connected with friends and family. “We are built to care deeply about one another. Get isolated and you will literally get sick,” says Crowley. Friends can also offer the best support when it comes to achieving your goals.

For more information, or to connect with others, visit www.ThinnerThisYear.com. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll see positive change. But remember; when it comes to sustainable weight loss, there are no miracles.

(StatePoint)

Whether you are at-risk for developing a heart condition or you’re one of the 13 million Americans who suffer from coronary artery disease, arming yourself with the facts you need to stay healthy can help. February is National Heart Health Month and it’s a great time to learn about coronary artery disease, its symptoms and about the latest developments in treatment.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is caused when plaque buildup creates blockages or narrowings in the arteries. The blockages restrict blood flow and reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart, potentially putting a person at risk for a heart attack. Common symptoms of coronary artery disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and overall weakness. Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage coronary artery disease. These include managing obesity and high blood pressure, living an active lifestyle, making healthy dietary choices and stopping smoking.

Improved Treatments

Staying on top of the latest medical advances helps ensure you and loved ones secure the best treatment available. One advancement in treatment is supported by new results from the FAME 2 Study funded by St. Jude Medical and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study found that use of a blood-flow measurement technology, called Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) during treatment of stable coronary artery disease will result in better health outcomes. FFR technology offers physicians a better assessment of where blood flow blockages occur in the coronary arteries and whether treatment to open an artery narrowing, along with medication, can help lower a patient’s risk of chest pain and heart attack. From less likelihood of a patient being readmitted to the hospital for urgent care, to a reduction in health care costs, FAME 2 research demonstrates that patients who receive FFR-guided treatment experienced better outcomes than those treated with medication alone. “The FAME 2 Study results offer further evidence that FFR should be considered the standard of care for treating patients with coronary heart disease,” said Frank J. Callaghan, president of the Cardiovascular and Ablation Technologies Division at St. Jude Medical. If you believe you have coronary artery disease, consult your physician for additional information and to determine best treatment options. More information on FFR is available at: www.sjm.com/ffr-fact-sheet.

(StatePoint)

In a world where fatty, fried and frosted foods are often the cheapest, quickest and most readily available options, it can be easy to forget the true purpose of eating -- to healthfully fuel our bodies.  “The higher-quality fuel you put in your body, the better you will function. The right diet can potentially prevent you from developing certain diseases and conditions,” says Gerry Cysewski, Ph.D., co-author of “Spirulina: Nature’s SuperFood,” and Chief Science Officer of Nutrex Hawaii, a nutritional supplement manufacturer. And despite what many people think, healthful eating doesn’t have to come at the price of taste or time. Foods rich in nutrition can make quick snacks and be incorporated easily into your favorite dishes.

Here are ideas for how to fit three superfoods into your diet:

Blueberries

Skip the sodium overload of chomping on chips and lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes and even the common cold with some blueberries. Blueberries are full of flavor as well as antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, Vitamin C and potassium. While they make for a great snack on their own, blueberries are also delicious as a yogurt, oatmeal or cereal topper.

Spirulina

For a wealth of protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, take a cue from the ancient Mayans and Aztecs and incorporate spirulina in your daily diet. Hawaiian spirulina, a microalgae-based superfood, contains more than 100 nutrients, and a three gram serving contains higher levels of key antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals than five servings of fruits and vegetables. “A single serving of spirulina is like a rainbow of good nutrition, containing the orange of beta-carotene for immune system support, the yellow of zeaxanthin for eye and brain health, the green of chlorophyll for anti-toxin health benefits, and the blue of phycocyanin for inflammatory balance,” says Cysewski. What’s the best way to get your daily dose? Consider taking pill supplements, or if you prefer, mix spirulina powder in dips like guacamole or hummus.

Or for a tasty breakfast, lunch or snack, try this smoothie recipe:

Blend these ingredients together and serve immediately:

• 1/2 cup yogurt • 1 cup of fruit juice (apple, orange or pineapple)

• 1 or more of the following: 1 papaya, 1 peach, 1 mango 1/2 cup of boysenberries or raspberries

• 1 teaspoon Hawaiian Spirulina powder More information on the benefits of spirulina can be found at www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com.

Spinach

Popeye was onto something when he downed those cans of spinach. The dark leafy greens contain minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients that benefit eyesight, blood pressure, muscles, bones, skin and a healthy nervous system. For a low-fat, low-calorie source of iron and protein, put the burger down and eat spinach instead. Opt for the fresh variety, swapping out iceberg lettuce in salads, or sauté lightly with olive oil and garlic for a great side. Spinach is also tasty in omelets and makes a healthy alternative to ground meat in lasagna. With a little creativity, giving your body the right fuel it needs to stay healthy can be convenient and delicious.